Constitutional reform could end Ukraine crisis says president's close aide

The key to ending the crisis in Ukraine could lie in constitutional reform, according to one of President Viktor Yanukovych’s close aides.

But one human rights group says first action must be taken to ease the concerns of those who’re occupying government buildings.

Yevhen Bystrytsky, Executive Director of the International Renaissance Foundation, said: “I believe that protests will continue and Maidan will continue their protest activities and it’s less probable that who occupies administrative building in the regions would agree to return buildings to the administration.”

A political analyst and adviser to President Yanukovych believes the government has shown its good will with the amnesty law and that is a basis for dialogue and future deals.

Political analyst, Mykhaylo Pohrebinsky, told euronews:“Even if it will be agreed to reduce the presidency term for half a year – and he implied that he is even ready for this – the elections can be held when the constitution is changed. Then the elections can be held in October.”

Our correspondent in Kyiv Sergio Cantone says: “no-one wants the tensions here to develop into a civil war so it’s up to the international community to put pressure on all sides in Ukraine to encourage them to find a lasting political agreement.”